! - One in three lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people have experienced some kind of homophobic attack.*

If you have been shouted at in the street and called derogatory names or if you have been beaten or robbed or had your property vandalised because of your sexual orientation or gender identity it could be classed as either a hate crime or hate incident.

But what is the difference?

HATE CRIME

Any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

HATE INCIDENT

Any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

! - When you speak to the police they will define it as either an incident or a crime BUT they are obliged to treat ALL incidents as crimes.